What is the expected salary for a dental assistant?

The expected salary for a dental assistant is between $22,000 and $43,000 a year as of 2015, according to PayScale. Factors like profit sharing and bonuses also contribute to the hourly paid position.

Dental assistants are normally trained formally in the office or at certified schools. They typically help with many duties in a dental practice including during surgery, organizationally and assisting with routine cleanings and X-rays.

Pay rates increase with years of experience and certification after 2 years working in an office. The national average salary estimate within the United States was $35,000 as of May 2013, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor.